Left in Texas

In this episode, we spend much of our time talking to our resident energy expert Carrie Collier-Brown about what actually happened with the blackout. She gives an in-depth explanation beyond who ERCOT is and what went wrong and why we were so close to a weeks-long reboot of the power grid.    We also discuss the state of COVID and vaccine distribution and the awful voter suppression bills going through the state legislature right now, HB6 and SB7. 

We got together a bit early on Super Bowl Sunday and caught up on the haps of Texas politics and the upcoming legislative session. We discussed a new poll that shows Texans want Ted Cruz to resign, who might challenge Greg Abbott in 2022, why Allen West wants Texas to secede, and the fining of Louie Gohmert.  We wrap with a conversation with newly elected Senator Roland Gutierrez. He walks us through what it will take for the two parties to work together, his documentary on legalizing cannabis, and his bill that would make it a reality. We dubbed his bill the "Other Green New Deal" because its focus is both economic and environmental.  Have a listen, enjoy and please share! We love your feedback so keep it coming. 

The full crew assembled in Chris' backyard to drown our Blue Texas dream in beer foam. We discussed what happened and didn't happen in Texas and where Texas Democrats go from here.

The full crew got together (virtually) with our good friend Nathan Ryan from Good Politics to talk about his experience as a poll worker and how folks can get involved in the General Election. We tried some new things with Zoom so check out the video pod on Facebook and as always hit us up on the Twitters: @LeftinTexasPod. Show notes and topics: Trump visits TexasHe'll pull in up to $100,000 a person at a roundtable with supporters. Biden by 2 in Morning Consult Poll Texas 2020 Presidential Election Polls: Biden vs. Trump Corona News: Rapid coronavirus testing for Congress a hot topic again after Rep. Gohmert catches COVID-19 Doctors Slam Rep. Dan Crenshaw for Coronavirus Disinformation Texas state Rep. Tony Tinderholt says he was hospitalized for coronavirus | The Texas Tribune Coronavirus in Texas is deadlier for people of color Ted Cruz spews disgust at ‘waiters and waitresses’ who he says don’t deserve $600 unemployment checks Texas' GOP Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says BLM will indoctrinate students with communism   Black Lives Matter: Austin protesters clash with police in the wake of Garrett Foster's death | The Texas Tribune U.S. Army sergeant who shot Austin protester Garrett Foster posted tweets about retaliating against demonstrators New Poll Finds Three Out of Four Texan Voters Consider Police Brutality a Problem   November Election: Texas Supreme Court Justice plans to retire after August deadline for special election, enabling Governor to appoint a replacement   Culture: Huston-Tillotson University announces partnership with Tesla on learning initiatives, programs for students Joe Rogan is leaving Los Angeles and moving to Texas because there's more freedom there

Hey y'all, we've got good news and bad news. The bad news is we're publishing this episode a few days behind, the good news is its because we also have a series of interviews with primary runoff candidates including for US Senate. You can find the episodes with Sen. Royce West and MJ Hegar and others on our Facebook page.As always thanks for listening!Trump behind Biden 1 in Texas Fox News Poll Trump behind in every battleground state Supreme Court denies mail-in ballots Pence in Dallas mega church Abbott’s mishandling of COVID-19 following Trump blueprint GOP Convention Houston July 16-18

The whole crew got together in Taylor for a social distancing pint and podcast. We had a lot to catch up on and plenty to cover. Please subscribe, share and follow us on Twitter at @LeftinTexaspod. National GOP Convention considering Texas (Dallas)  State GOP?? Convention Poll -  Biden Trump tied Cornyn at 37% GW Bush won’t support Trump Run off Election  Royce and Hegar debate  LiT candidate interviews  Texas TDP Convention - Pelosi, Biden  Racists facebook posts - Bexar, Harris, Nueces Calls for resignation  LIT A dozen Texas GOP chairs share racist or anti-Semitic posts | The Texas Tribune Gov Abbott: Easing COVID 19 restrictions  Covid tracker Dan Patrick on racism: Turn to God Local Calls to cut budget of police department Militant group co-ops BLM rally Rally in Vidor Mayor says women can’t lead public prayer

Wow, what a long strange trip its been. We've been a little social distant on the pod but we've finally got together in Chris' backyard. We catch up a bit and discuss the new polls, and the new attacks on voting rights and experts of all kinds.  Check out a few of the topics below Topics  Covid response: outbreak prison and nursing homes testing Vote by mail lawsuit Abbott reverses order after PR stunt by Salon ownerDan Patrick pays her fine as she raises $500K State opensExcept Governor’s mansion Poll: Texans want Democrats to run the State House Biden tied in Texas with Trump Texans want vote by mail Rainy Day Fund use in January U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, received Paycheck Protection Program money — he won’t say how much — to support his car dealership in Weatherford, west of Fort Worth

The Full crew got together and discussed the latest in Texas politics...especially what happened on Super Tuesday with some surprising results from top to bottom. Pat yourselves on the back Texans, over 2 million of you showed up to vote in the Democratic Party primary. We also discuss the local and statewide impact of the corona virus like the cancelation of SXSW and the decision to continue with Houston Rodeo.     

So we finally got our long-awaited interview with Beto O'Rouke! Carrie shared a beer with the former Congressman to talk about his thoughts on the US Senate race, his new PAC Powered x People and what he thinks it's going to take to flip the state. He talked about what inspires him, like stories from everyday Texans who just want to improve our state to his support for candidates that are considered longshots but are doing interesting non-convention things to turn out the vote.  He also gives a shout out to the HDCC, Flip the Texas House and other allied groups in the fight to win a majority in the state legislature for Democrats.Have a listen, apparently, Beto does too ;)

The crew met again sans JD this time at Friends and Allies brew company in East Austin. Listen to the end for an interview with US Senate candidate Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez. Check out the other topics we discussed below, hit us up on social and don't forget to subscribe! Texas Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia one of 7 named to prosecution team in Senate impeachment trial LIT Voting Guide - vote against Trumpism   CENSUS  LIT If Democrats gain in 2020, Patrick vows rule shift to limit clout - News - Austin American-Statesman - Austin, TX LIT Democrats vying for U.S. Senate seat woo AFL-CIO - News - Austin American-Statesman - Austin, TX   Texas, police chief on marijuana: Arrests will continue | The Texas Tribune   Will the end of straight-ticket voting stifle the Democratic wave in Texas? | The Texas Signal   Certified Progressive 2020: Our list of Texas progressives running in flippable districts | Progress Texas   ACLU says Wimberley ISD legal threat over logo violates freedom of speech   U.S. Navy To Name Aircraft Carrier After Pearl Harbor Hero From Waco   A man paid $200 to ship dirt to Italy so his son would be born over Texas soil   This MLK weekend, Texas will again recognize Confederate Heroes Day

New Year New Format! Chris and Joe met up at Workhorse in Austin's North Loop neighborhood (one of the last OG keepin' weird bar scenes) to catch up with Manny Garcia, the Executive Director for the Texas Democratic Party. We talked everything 2020, the path to victory, our candidates, the message and what we do when we win. Lots of talk around the state legislature, the Governor's coordinated attack on cities and the current scandal surrounding the Speaker of the House. We end the episode with Carrie and Chris interviewing MJ Hegar, candidate for U.S. Senate vs. John Cornyn. She talks about what it takes to win and how she sees her path to victory. This is just the beginning of many more interviews with our candidates up and down the ballot this season.  As always subscribe, share and connect with us on social media. Cheers!    

Well folks we made it to 2020...We take a look back and a few of the biggest stories of 2019 and how they'll shape the new year going forward... Please subscribe to the pod, share and join the conversation online:@leftintexaspod on twitter and Left in Texas Podcast on the Facebooks. Episode 2: Recap of 2019 and Look ahead to 2020: 2019: Bonnen scandal Poncho Navarez scandal Trump comes to Dallas and Austin  Congressional retirements Greg Abbott vs Steve Adler 2020: Ballot set Flipping Texas House Candidates fighting for Texas delegates (Warren Texas campaign) John Cornyn and Senate candidates Women’s March

The crew met sans JD at Pinthouse Pizza for the last episode of 2019...We discuss the Dems vote on impeachment, and the parallels between Trump's scandal and the fall of Speaker Bonnen. It seems everyone has joined the party to flip the Texas House and that includes Beto O'Rourke who hosted a phone bank in his home for Special Election House candidate Dr. Eliz Markowitz.  Hit us up on Twitter at @LeftinTexaspod or on Facebook and check out the show notes below:   National: Three Texas Democrats were noncommittal on Trump impeachment: Reps. Cuellar, Allred and Fletcher WASHINGTON – Ten of the 13 Texas Democrats in the House solidly favor impeachment. The other three have yet to make up their minds or declare how they... State of Democratic Primary Trump Spins at Windmills   Texas: Attorney General’s office not setting TPC investigation timeline - Port Arthur News There is no set timeline for the Texas attorney general’s office to complete their investigation of TPC Group following two Nov. 27 plant explosions i... Industry air emissions in Texas more than doubled last year Industrial companies in Texas produced more than 135 million pounds of air emissions beyond what regulators expected last year. Plastic bags are killing horses and cows across the state. What's Texas to do? A year after the Texas Supreme Court dealt a death blow to municipal bans on plastic bags, legislative efforts to revive them have fallen flat, and ra... George P. Bush has led Republicans in condemning racism. Is he the future of the party in Texas?AUSTIN -- As a navy officer who fought in Afghanistan, George P. Bush saw the lengths to which radical Islamic terrorists went to spread their hateful... Beto Focuses on Flipping Texas House Kicked off with Tweet on Sunday after Thanksgiving to help Texas Blue Action Dems’ campaign @flipthetexashouse.com In Dec, announced a new PAC, Powered by People Special Election Runoff in HD 28 (Eliz Markowitz) is a dead heat Beto hosting phonebank at his house today (capped at 40 people)     Local:   Dallas is the rudest city in Texas, according to a new survey   Everything you need to know about homelessness in Texas   Man charged with criminal trespassing dies in Bexar County Jail, unable to pay $40 bond   Misc.   Fox Host Brian Kilmeade’s New Book About the Alamo Isn’t Fair and Balanced Mexican congressman climbs U.S. border fence to illustrate that Trump's wall is 'totally absurd'

WOW, so much has happened since the crew last convened and we're hear to breathlessly talk it out over a few cold ones. We assembled at 4th Tap in North Austin. It's a cool spot with tons of video games, board games and "butt rock." Don't forget there's an election that just started! Besure to vote NO on Prop 4 (it's a TRAP) and give some dough to Eliz Markowitz in her very important special election in Fort Bend County. It's a chance to flip a seat and get one step closer to electing a Dem House Speaker. Listen to the pod and find out why that's so critical...   Latest debate Perry to resign “3 Amigos” Congressman 1 - Pete Sessions Bi partisan rebuke on actions in Syria including by Texas GOP delegation Admiral Mcraven Trump in TexasTexas “made a fortune” on Harvey No to Coastal Barrier Greg AbbottTxDoT homeless camps under 35 State foster system BonnghaziTape released…Texas Rangers investigating, Bonnen also under investigation in Brazoria County What was said on the recordingworst session on record for cities and counties, “any mayor dumbass enough to meet with me” “He’s killing us in urban and suburban districts.” Homophobic jokes, target members who would not oppose government lobbyists Rs had caucus meeting released statementIndividual members release statements soon resignation, 19 SREC members call for resignation MQS, David Jennings release statements, Ds caucus meeting released No statement Ds are 9 seats short of majorityEliz Makowitz Special election TX 28Forward majority, HDCC, TDP, Propositions

We met up with Lizz Winstead at Austin Beer Garden on her comedy tour for Abortion AF. She's co-creator of The Daily Show and Abortion Access Front and we covered the ABCs of Texas politics from Abortion to Briscoe Cain.Check it out and find out more about her tour and dates here.  Show notes: Dem Presidential Debate @ TSU Elizabeth Warren endorses Texas U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar's Democratic primary challenger The Democratic presidential candidate backed Jessica Cisneros, the immigration lawyer running to unseat Cuellar.   Biden emphasizes unity at Beaumont campaign stop Biden is the second presidential candidate Mohammed Tahir Javed, CEO and President of Riceland Healthcare, has hosted at his southwest Beaumont home.   'I'm fulfilling the legacy of Barack Obama and you're not': Julian Castro comes out swinging at Biden over healthcare in Democratic debate Biden shot back, "That'll be a surprise to him." This was part of a larger debate about health care plans from the Democratic candidates.   Texas has the highest health care markup | The Texas Signal Texas has the highest health care markup Health Care - The Texas Signal is a progressive media company. Our mission is to build a first-of-its kind me... Texas has the most people without health insurance in the nation — again For the second year in a row, the number of Texans without health insurance increased, and fewer people enrolled in Medicaid.

The crew assembled at Nomatic Beerworks in South Austin to share some tasty beverages while we talking the nasty stuff that has become Texas politics. We go over the new laws hitting the books September 1st, why the Governor's roundtable on guns was a dog and pony show and the latest in the Bonnghazi scandal. Thanks for the increased engagement online we love hearing from you! Please share the pod with a friend and add a few more to the Facebook page!   Topics: Debate in Texas on the 12thDNC still not treating like Texas like a battlegroundNew laws come into effect in Texas Sept 1stAbbott tweets and roundtable Bonngahzi update Headlines:Politico: Texas Republicans brace for 2020 drubbing (8/12/19)Real Clear Politics: Yes, the GOP should worry about Texas (8/8/19)The Washington Post: ‘Take Texas seriously’: GOP anxiety spikes after retirements, Democratic gains (8/2/19)   National politicsDebate in Texas 10 qualify at TSU in Houston Dept 10th Court agreement to indefinitely hold migrant families Texas still not treated like Battleground by DNC Convention should have been in Houston DNC Hotels in Illinois    Abbott Tweets...Guns and immigrationGunsEl Paso reps tweeting  Immigration/ school kids Gun roundtable - rally outside Bonnghazi: letter circulating - GOP goes for inner peace  Letter on calls for release including Duston Burrows who resigned as GOP chair RedistrictingKonni Burton and the Rural Elite - Tweets New Laws:Guns allowed without permit during a disaster..Today is.Anniversary of Harvey 18- to 21 to buy cigarettes Property tax caps lead to higher taxes 

This is a very special edition of the Left in Texas Podcast from ground zero of eh hem...battleground Texas. It was a packed house in Kyle, Hays County, TX.  Seriously just a few cycles ago no one would have thought there were Democrats in these parts let alone that they would turn this rural turned suburban county blue, but alas here we are. Democratic Constables, County Commissioners, a Democratic State Representative and a top tier candidate for congress. We caught of with Senator Wendy Davis who is now a candidate for US House District 21, Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa and State Representative Erin Zwiener. They each gave their insight into their efforts to extend the Hays County effect to other parts of the state and their optimism for Democrats' chances in 2020.  Have a listen and please share!  

The crew met up at St. Elmo Brewing to discuss the YUGE scandal rocking the pink done. Normally this time of the year all you hear are crickets coming from the capitol but an GIANT unforced error now threatens the House Speakers' tenure. We break it down...We also discuss Texodus, the recent Texit of GOP members of Congress who don't seem to like there new position as the minority party. Whomp Whomp! Many of these are vulnerable seats and Dems have a great opportunity to flip them. Make no mistake Texas is a battleground. BonnghaziLawsuit Hooks Texas Monthly Implication for Democrats House Committee investigation PresidentialBeto  Julian Joaquin posting Trump donors Biden over Beto in Texas? Next debate at TSU - 9/12 - *13 Beto Qualifies, Juian still needs one more poll Texas 2020Texas Senate RaceLots of candidatesSenator Royce West Amanda Edwards MJ Hegar Retiring CongressmanKenny Marchant  Will Hurd Pete Olsen Mike ConawayJohn Ratcliff  GOP prepHiring 150 field staff vs 8 in 2016 New org for $10M to register new voters  Changing demos: Since John Cornyn first ran for the Senate in 2002, the share of the Texas vote coming from outside the large counties has dropped by a quarter. Mail in Ballot: Federal lawsuit claims Texas' mail-in ballot procedures are unconstitutional Redistricting

Our man Ed Scruggs of Texas Gun Sense joins the full crew for a rundown of the state of the state's gun policies in the aftermath of the El Paso shooting incident. The full podcast will be up soon. The Left In Texas Podcast records LIVE in quality brewpubs and watering holes all across Central Texas with the latest on Texas politics! Check us out here: https://apple.co/2YWZt4h

The crew assembled sans JD at legendary blues spot at 12 and Chicon now called King Bee. The cocktails and pizza here are worth the trip and if you're lucky you'll catch some good tunes.  We're proud to have our special guest host Austin City Councilmen Greg Casar. He's got a full plate of progressive policies he's been working on while fighting the Trump administration on immigration policy. We didn't let him slip out before getting his quick take on 2020 either...Check out the other topics we covered below and hit us on social media. Cheers!Special Guest Austin Councilman Greg Casar  Council unanimously supports ending ‘West Austin Tax Haven'Luxury yacht buyers in Texas get big tax breakCouncil Bites the Bullet, Helps the HomelessUnlocking affordability BIG week at Council this week

The crew met at Zilker Brewing to share some hop juice and catch up on what's happened since the Legislature left town...and it turns out quite a lot as you can see below. We covered everything from new polls showing Texas in play in 2020 to the latest on the border and what Ted Cruz and AOC have in common. Intro: 3:00 minutes Who’s hosting Where we’re recording What we’re drinking   Top Line: New Texas Presidential Polls Immigration and border from tariffs to racists  teachers and private wall Wendy: Yay or Nay? Texas legislature/Gov. Pride Month Local Election Results   Presidential: New Texas 2020 poll has: * Biden 48%, Trump 44% * Trump 46%, Warren 45% * Trump 46%, Buttigieg 44% * Pressure for Beto for Senate   Border/Immigration: Privately Funded Border Wall Near Completion In New Mexico Mexico Agreed to Take Border Actions Months Before Trump Announced Tariff Deal UPDATE: Texas teacher fired after asking Trump to round up 'illegal students from Mexico' Austin boy raises $25,000 to support border wall   State/Legislature: Analysis: Texas Republicans, squeezed between tariffs and immigration Bill awaiting Abbott's signature could derail Austin ISD's sex education plan Inside Texas’ Failed Experiment to Replace Planned Parenthood with an Anti-Abortion Group Gov. Abbott vetoes domestic violence bill over radioactive waste amendment Texas' Uninsured Rate Is Bad And Getting Worse. But Lawmakers Did Nothing About It This Session. Fmr. SoS David Whitley back in Abbott’s office with raise and promotion   Pride: Poll: Most Texans oppose refusing to serve LGBT peopleDallas bar fires employee who kicked out transgender woman Galveston paints Rainbow crosswalk 2nd Waco church splits from Texas Baptist group over LGBTQ acceptance Dallas transgender community on edge in the midst of violent attacks   Local Elections: Dallas gets new Mayor: State Rep. Eric Johnson Nirenberg holds on in San Antonio Houston Mayor gets new opponent Geto Boys “Scarface” to run for City Council in Houston/ Bushwick Bill dead? Ranked choice voting could save millions of dollars for Texas cities   Welcome to Texas: Elon Musk's SpaceX is developing giant Mars rockets in a sleepy town in southern Texas. Here's what it's like to visit. Word comes out at fundraiser that Wendy Davis plans to run for US CongressFormer state Sen. Wendy Davis said Friday she is not ready to announce whether she’s running for the 21st Congressional District Whataburger issues new merch including running shoes and pillows Texas Man Shot His Son, Had 'Father-Son' Chat Before Stabbing Him: Cops | KLVI AM

On this episode we try something new...JD and Chris met up for beers at the new Pinthouse Pizza in Round Rock and I join via phone while I nurse a bum ankle.  We recorded the day after Sine Die, the last day of the legislative session. We hit the highlights of bills passed and failed. We discuss how the changing priorities are influenced by Democratic Party gains and what it means for 2020. Related talk the latest on the border wall, Joe Biden's visit to Houston, and Beto's reboot. Hit us on Twitter at @LeftinTexasPod an Facebook.com/leftintexas.

We assembled at Austin Beer Works this week to talk about the latest in Presidential politics and Joaquin's news (not news) about not running for Senate (we told you that last podcast). We make some Game of Throne references and JD teases a spoiler (no spoilers) at the end.  Check it out the show notes below and hit us up on Twitter: @LeftinTexasPod. National  Texas  politics   White House asks Congress for $4.5 billion in emergency spending for the border The administration's newest request follows the more than $8 billion that President Trump sought in his budget request and about $6 billion he sought through his declaration of a national emergency at the border. https://www.texastribune.org/2019/05/01/white-house-requests-45-billion-emergency-spending-border/   Biden leading Trump in Texas 50 - 49   Beto O’Rourke is losing donors to Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg     Link Beto O’Rourke now has the most robust climate proposal of any 2020 presidential candidate     Link       Report: Joaquin Castro won't challenge John Cornyn for U.S. Senate seat 1-dot   Link ·     New group launches to harness political power of women 1-dot   Link ·   Dallas sick leave measures raises the stakes at Texas capitol     Link Dallas to require employers to offer paid sick leave as Texas lawmakers debate banning such ordinances     Link State Politics   By failing to appoint state officers, Gov. Abbott is making an unconstitutional power grab 1-dot   Link    Texas Legislature   “Guns and safety aren’t synonymous for us”: Some black Texans fear plans to arm more teachers     Link     Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Marijuana bill is dead in the Texas Senate 1-dot   Link · USA TODAY     Cite & release on small marijuana possession to expand in Williamson Co.     Link    Voters in Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio have marquee mayoral races on Saturday ballots   https://www.texastribune.org/2019/04/30/dallas-fort-worth-san-antonio-will-decide-mayor-races-may-4-elections/   In Texas Highlights: Thank ACL lineup ….Gunz & Roses Texas Bill Prohibiting Male Masturbation Moves Closer To Becoming Law 1-dot   Link ·

The crew got together at a new beer joint in Taylor called The Loose Screw. It's been a while so plenty turf to cover with the legislature in full attack mode. We cover the worst of the worst at the state capitol, how 2020 is shaping up for Texans and whether Dems should move forward with impeachment proceedings.  Below is a list of topics we covered. Please give us a shout on Twitter (@LeftinTexasPod) and a follow on Facebook!!   DCCC   Mom vs. Dad on the Road to 2020   Energy Secretary Rick Perry Reportedly Planning to Resign   Sales Tax swap https://www.texastribune.org/2019/04/17/texas-sales-tax-increase-facing-opposition/   Temporary immigration detention facilities to open in El Paso, Rio Grande Valley   Bill would ban abortions for fetal disabilities   Oil producers are burning enough 'waste' gas to power every home in Texas   Tell Your Lawmaker: Stop SB 9 - Texas Civil Rights Project     How a Texas debate caused airport Chick-fil-A locations across the U.S. to be reconsidered   Dallas-Fort Worth metro area saw biggest population growth in Texas in 2018     Keep Texas Weird   Texans strike back at comedian bashing small town's tradition   Newton Co. gets call from woman trapped in home by possum Bonnen Walks out on GOP Dinner - Texas Scorecard

The crew assembled at Hotel San Jose san Joe but with our now regularly occurring "guest host" Carrie Collier-Brown and a very special guest and friend of the pod Julie Oliver. Our first podcast with Julie Oliver is still one of our most popular episode and for good reason. She's a great candidate with a great story to tell. Her expertise in health care is exactly what we need in Washington right now as Trump pledges to make killing Obamacare his 2020 reelection priority. She joined us for the full hour to talk about everything else making headlines in the world of Texas politics. Give us a shout on Twitter at @LeftinTexasPod and find us on Facebook. 

The crew met up at the biggest bluest party at SXSW hosted by the Texas Democratic Party and Progress Texas. We were lucky enough to grab a couple of cool interviews with Presidential candidate Julian Castro and Austin City Council member Paige Ellis. We also snagged a few minutes with Progress Texas Executive Director Ed Espinoza and TDP advisor and former Executive Director Crystal Perkins.